This information collection is necessary to comply with 35 U.S.C. 131 and 151 which mandate that the USPTO examine applications and issue patents from them if appropriate. The USPTO can also correct errors in patents and reissue patents as appropriate. The USPTO also participates in reexamination proceedings initiated by the patent owner. The "American Inventors Protection Act of 1999", as incorporated in the "Intellectual Property and Communications Omnibus Reform Act of 1999", provides for reexamination proceedings initiated by third parties (inter partes). These third parties can also participate in these
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.